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Ireland scrumhalf staying with Ulster

Tue, 15 Oct 2013 17:03

I am passionate about playing for Ulster

Ireland scrumhalf Paul Marshall has signed a new three-year contract extension with Ulster that will keep him at Ravenhill until 2017.

The 28 year-old, a graduate of the Hughes Insurance Ulster Academy, made his debut for the Province in 2006 and has made 108 appearances for Ulster, the most recent of which was in the 22-16 victory over Leicester Tigers at Ravenhill last Friday.

He has represented the Ireland Under-21s, Ireland A and won his first senior international cap against Italy in last season's Six Nations. He was selected on Ireland's tour of North America where he played against both the United States and Canada.

Commenting on his new contract, Marshall said: “When I was growing up, all I wanted to do was to play rugby for Ulster. I have been fortunate over the past seven years to do just that and I am extremely pleased to know that I will be representing my province for at least another three years.

"To be able to play in front of friends and family is very special. I am passionate about playing for Ulster and I love what it represents. With the squad that we have at the present time and the redevelopment that is going on at the ground - Ravenhill is an exciting place to be."

Ulster's Director of Rugby David Humphreys added: "Paul is an extremely important member of our squad and I am delighted that he has opted to stay with Ulster for three more years.

“To compete in the knock-out stages of both the European Cup and the Pro12, we need depth in all positions throughout the playing squad and retaining another international scrumhalf is an important part of achieving that."